Smith and Glass the Watford heroes

Watford 2, Burnley 0

Tommy Smith and Stephen Glass were the heroes as Watford reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in 16 years with a 2-0 win over Burnley at Vicarage Road.

It was a dream return for Smith, who scored the opener on his first game back in the line-up since needing hospital treatment after a car crash.

And Glass made sure of victory with a stunning free-kick only days after being told he would not be offered a new contract when his current deal expires this summer.

The match exploded into life when Helguson forced an acrobatic save from Beresford to force a corner which Neal Ardley delivered right into the danger area in the 74th minute.

Burnley struggled to cope in the swirling wind, and the ball fell to Smith at the far post when they failed to clear.

The Hornets player was falling backwards – but stuck out his right foot and managed to turn the ball over the line.

Things could have got much worse for the visitors when Ian Cox pulled back substitute Gifton Noel-Williams, but referee Alan Wiley showed him a yellow card despite Cox being the last covering defender.

But when Cox fouled Helguson 25 yards from goal in the 80th minute, Watford took advantage in spectacular style.

Former Newcastle winger Glass stepped up to stroke a left-footed shot past Beresford, despite the keeper getting his fingertips to it, and the match was all over for Burnley.